By Not Known
Do you know what this acronymn stands for? It stands for What You See Is What You Get. It is a computer term that “implies a user interface that allows the user to view something very similar to the end result while the document is being created.”
Unfortunately, with people, it is often not WYSIWYG. This probably explains why a recent popular TV show called Lie To Me is so attractive. In the show, micro expressions and eye movements are reduced to sound-bytes that make them easy to interpret. When more effort is made to study lie detection techniques, you will become a better “people reader”. One can also pick up some fast and easy body language reading techniques to help you learn how to “read” people and detect lies or falsehoods. However, body language is just a part of the complex system of human communications, there are word choices, emotional signals or gestures, and even physiological movements that add to the complications.
Not too long ago, I attended a talk that was entitled, “Can you lie honestly?” What contradiction! Can you really lie honestly?
It is really fascinating. In our everyday conversation and communication, many would have unwittingly declared dishonest statements often even without realising it. Some would attribute it to cultural convention while others blame it on social conditioning. For instance, a simple question like: “Have you had your lunch?” could elicit a courteous and yet false response that may discourage any form of obligation. For if you say you haven’t had lunch, would it be implying, “Are you asking me to lunch with you?” Or, “Are you asking for a treat?” So in order not to complicate a cordial relationship, a convenient verbal side-step could be the best way to deal with the situation.
So, it can be true that what we see may not be what it is. Or what we hear may not be what is meant. Or what is communicated may not be the truth. Of course, there are also many instances of intentional deception in order to take advantage of another person.
In Mark 13, Jesus told His disciples that they should not be deceived by what they see or what they hear for the truth may be far from what is obvious.
Deceptions can come in many forms and when we are not knowledgeable with what is true, we may easily be deceived. Let God’s Word be our highest standard for discerning truth.